May 20 – May 21 2016

#StillPraying4Shane

It’s with an extremely heavy heart I must announce that after a brutal injury this spring and a valiant attempt at rehabilitation, tKO Legend Shane C. will not be able to attend this year’s event. Things briefly looked optimistic as his recovery seemed to be accelerating at a breakneck pace, even garnering attention from fitness model Body By Simone:

But alas, it was too grave an injury to overcome. There are no words that I could muster up to memorialize Shane appropriately, so instead I’ll share with you the same heartbreaking news I received last night.

Gentlemen,

I’ve been procrastinating on this for some time. This has been one of the most difficult decisions I have had to make; I honestly spent less time deciding to move to DC. I knew from February 17th at 10pm ET that my participation in this year’s Kendallville Open would be a long shot. Similar to how I’ve approached life, I went at my recovery without a doubt that I would be stepping up to the first tee at Cobblestone dressed all in white ready to participate in our legendary annual tradition.

The reality is I need to focus on the greater good. What’s better for all involved is to decline my invitation to the 2014 Kendallville Open. Realistically, at 2pm on Friday May 30th I will only have been walking under my own power for a couple weeks. As I mentioned earlier this year, I would not take away from the integrity of the tournament by participating if I could not realistically compete nor would I take a spot away from someone who has done everything we’ve asked to be given an opportunity. With that being said, I asked Peter K. Levine to keep his calendar clear a few weeks ago should he still be considered as the top waitlist candidate.

Lastly, I mean no disrespect to The Kendallville Open Board by writing this via email. I debated recording a press conference, a formal letter delivered via certified mail, or some other outside the box method of communication. However, with 52 days left until tee off the last thing I want to do is to draw attention from what really matters. The preparation and build up for The Kendallville Open VIII. I would much rather fade quietly into the night.

You have both been wonderful in supporting my rehab efforts and you have my sincere appreciation. I look forward to our reunion for The Kendallville Open IX. As always, I continue to be in service of the Kendallville Open and its friends. Please use me as you see fit.

Respectfully yours,

Shane C.

Always the gentlemen, God bless you, Shane.😦

However, as the saying goes, when (the golf) God(s) closes a door, He opens a window. So with that said, I’d like to welcome Peter L. to the OCHO!

Expect a formal introduction sometime after this weekend, when he returns from the FUCKING MASTERS.